Topic
Quilting
Quilting needs space under the arm, an even feed through several layers and good control for free motion work. Throat space and a walking foot matter most.
- Throat space
- About 200 mm up on quilting machines
- Key feet
- Walking foot · 1/4 inch foot · darning foot
Throat space is the distance from the needle to the machine body. More room lets you roll a quilt through for straight line quilting.
A walking foot feeds the top layer at the same rate as the feed dogs move the bottom, so layers do not shift. A 1/4 inch foot gives accurate patchwork seams.
For free motion work you drop the feed dogs and use a darning or free motion foot; stitch regulation, on some high-end machines, keeps stitch length even as you move the quilt.
Guides on this topic
- What is a stitch regulator on a quilting machine?A stitch regulator keeps free motion quilting stitches even by matching needle speed to fabric movement. How it works, its limits and which machines offer it.Guide
- Quilting machine vs sewing machineQuilting machine vs sewing machine: throat space, stitch regulation and long arm frames, plus what a standard machine can quilt with a walking foot.Comparison
- How to machine quilt for beginnersLearn to machine quilt at home: basting the quilt sandwich, straight line quilting with a walking foot and your first steps in free motion quilting.How-to